Lifting edge for folders



Feb. 19, 1952 J. s. QUINN LIFTING EDGE FOR FOLDERS Filed June 15, 1949 Fig.3.

lo/ m 5. Quinn and Patented Feb. 19, 1952 UNITED STATES PA; TENT OFFICE LIFTING EDGE FOR FOLDERS John s. Quinn, Chicag0, I ll. Application June 15, 1949, Serial No. 99,321

1 Claim.

This invention relates to an edge reinforcing and lifting device to be secured to one leaf of a file folder, the primary object of which is to simplify the Opening and lifting of a leaf of the folder and at the same time prolonging the life of the folder.

Another object of this invention is to provide a lift-edge for a folder which will eliminate wear and tear and unsightly bending of the folder edges because of the increased rigidity and strength of the folder edges.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character described which will result in a large saving of time and effort when opening a folder, especially where a large number of folders are being handled consecutively.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character described which is relatively simple in design and construction, inex pensive, durable, and convenient and useful for its intended purpose.

And yet another object of this invention is to provide in a folder having hinged leaves, an edge reinforcing and lifting device comprising a strip secured to one leaf of the folder and overlying the marginal edge thereof, said strip having a longitudinal weakened area in alignment with the marginal edge and forming a longitudinal hinge thereat, and stop means carried at the inner surface of said strip for maintaining said one leaf spaced from the other leaf when the folder is in a closed position.

These, together with various ancillary objects and features of the invention which will later become apparent as the following description proceeds, are attained by the device, a preferred embodiment of which has been illustrated, by way of example only, in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the device shown attached to one leaf of a file folder;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the device looking from the inside of the folder toward the device; and

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken substantially in the plane of section line 33 of Figure 1.

Specific reference will now be made to the drawings. In the several views, in the accompanying drawings and in the following specification, similar reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout.

Indicated generally at I is a conventional file folder having one leaf l2 longitudinally hinged, as at I4, to a cooperating leaf IS, the leaf I6 being provided, if desired, with the usual index tab [8.

The device of the instant invention is indicated at 20 and consists of a strip 22, preferably fabricated of cardboard or the like, which is positioned adjacent the marginal edge 24 of one of the leaves l2. Secured to, as by adhesion, stapling, or the like, and embracing the strip 22 is a Web 26 which may be fabricated of a textile material, plastic, a thin light-weight metal, or

the like.

The web 26 is in turn secured, as by adhesion, stapling, and so forth, to the leaf l2 across the length thereof so that a weakened area 28 is provided which is in alignment with the marginal edge 24, forming a longitudinal hinge. Thus, it will be seen that the portion of the web 26 which embraces the strip 22 is foldable relative to the leaf I2 along the longitudinal hinge or weakened area 28.

When the folder I0 is urged into a closed position so that the leaf l2 abutsthe leaf [6, it becomes necessary to provide a resilient spacing means to keep the leaves somewhat spaced apart so that the lift-edge 20 can be easily and con veniently grasped. The resiliency or compressibility of the spacer means is required to allow a plurality of the folders ID to be placed on or next to each other without occupying an excessive amount of space. This resilient spacer means may take the form of a fiexible wire or spring to be secured to the inner surface 30 of the web 26. but the preferred resilient spacer means is shown in the accompanying figures. The preferred spacer means includes strips 32 which are secured, as by adhesion or other means, to the inner surface 30 of the web 26 in longitudinal spaced relation thereon, as shown clearly in Figure 2. Each of the strips 32 retains and embraces a resilient, compressible or deformable insert 34, preferably fabricated of sponge rubber and the like materials.

In view of the foregoing description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, it is believed that a clear understanding of the device will be quite apparent to those skilled in this art. A more detailed description is accordingly deemed unnecessary.

It is to be understood, however, that even though there is herein shown and described a preferred embodiment of the invention, the same is susceptible to certain changes fully comprehended by the spirit of the invention as herein described and within the scope of the appended claim.

Having described the invention what is claimed as new is:

A folder having hinged leaves, one of the leaves providing a cover and the other of said leaves providing a back, a cover lifting device comprising a lifting portion secured to said cover, said lifting portion being hingedly connected to the main portion of said cover by a flexible web, and a deformable rubber-like insert abutting the inner face of said lifting portion and retained thereagainst by a retaining strip, said deformable insert being adapted to urge said lifting portion away from said back whereby said cover can be pivoted to open postion by manual movement of said lifting portion.

JOHN S. QUINN;

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,076,993 Pooler Oct. 28, 1913 1,895,651 Dawson et al Jan. 31, 1933 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 752,814 France 1933 601,364 Great Britain May 4, 1948 

